Youth poet captures Legion’s top prize

A local Grade 9 student took top prize for the poem she wrote for the Royal Canadian Legion national Youth Remembrance contest.

Antonia Tannert, a Westside Academy student, wrote A Poppy Whispers.

“Inspiration came from the Flanders Field Poem and from poppies, by what it means when we say Lest We Forget,” Antonia Tannert of Westside Academy said about her poem. “I wanted to express all the aspects and emotions that are brought up when we wear a poppy and remember those who fought for us.”

To get to the nationals Tannert entered the provincial contest which she also won. She received a plaque and a prize of $500.

Here is her poem:

A POPPY WHISPERS

In flanders fields the poppies grow

But in our hearts their true meaning shows They remind us that peace comes at a price They remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice This is what a poppy whispers

A poppy whispers for us to feel Antonia Tannert is presented with her national award by teacher Nicole Abley.

Feel the trembling hands that fought for us

Feel the pounding hearts full of fear and sorrow Feel the weight of each loss, luring you into an abyss Feel the steady beating drums as the soldiers march A poppy whispers for us to hear

Hear the whispered prayers from loved ones

Hear the screams of the dying and the silence of the dead Hear the gunfire, the shooting and the chaos

Hear our anthem sung loud and proud

A poppy whispers for us to see

See the sacrifice it took to achieve peace

See the solemnity of a flag at half mast

See the devastation left behind on a battlefield

See the poppies planted in the fields and on our chests A poppy whispers for us to remember

Remember the soldiers who gave their lives to fight Remember the ones who died and the burdens the survivors carry

Remember the broken families and homes Remember the sacrifices they made so you could be free today

In flanders fields the poppies grow

But in our hearts their true meaning shows

They remind us that peace comes at a price

They remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice

This is what a poppy whispers